Matias Aguayo's New EP 'I Don't Smoke'

Electronic music is experiencing a fascinating, genre blending moment. Matias Aguayo is the definition of that modern, borderless artistry. He's a visionary child of globalization: born in Santiago de Chile, raised in Germany and living in Buenos Aires and Paris, Aguayo's identity is as scattered and fascinating as his latest record.

Aguayo's new EP I Don't Smoke is his first proper release since his acclaimed 2009 album Ay Ay Ay. It also follows his recent collaboration with American rock group Battles' on "Ice Cream," one of the indie hits of the summer.

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Up until a few years ago, Aguayo's melodies were isolated and terse, like so much of techno tends to be. His breakthrough single "Minimal" was the first time he delved into pop music.

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I Don't Smoke is a 5-track EP released under microhouse German label Kompakt. It bridges Aguayo's earlier musical styles with his more accessible sound of today.

The seven-minute title track is pure techno ecstasy: A circle of assaulting beats and vocals. It's expansive, yet expertly compressed. Aguayo's globalized sound is also revealed in songs like "Comeme Riddim" and the political "Niños". I Don't Smoke proves Matias Aguayo is still on top of his game and completely in control of his medium.